Making Minky Easy
My Best Tips for Working with Minky
1. Don’t worry about pre-washing. Minky does not shirk and the colors don’t bleed, which is awesome.
2. Minky has a nap, a direction it likes to lay flat. Be aware of the nap, trying to keep it in a uniform direction on your block. However, don’t fret too much. Different nap directions will add to the personality and charm.
3. Minky is stretchy in one direction and not-so-stretchy in the other direction. Cut pieces so the longest part of your pattern is along the not-so-stretchy direction. This will allow your pieces to be more accurate.
4. Do all your cutting in one session. Take all the cut pieces and toss them in the dryer in the lowest setting, along with a damp washcloth. Run the dryer for about 15 minutes. All the fluff will collect in the lint trap. While the dryer is running, vacuum up the extra fluff from the workspace and you are good to go.
5. Use a 90/14 Stretch needle. This type of needle pushes the fabric apart instead of poking a hole. These are my main minky tools.
6. Increase the sewing machine stitch length to 3.0 to 4.0, depending on the thickness of the nap.
7. Pin! Pin! Pin! I pin around curves, but for long strips, I pin at the beginning, end and a few spots along the way.
8. Still can’t get things to match up? It is OK, use a bit a glue stick in the seam allowance and stitch as normal. You can also use glue stick instead of pins to place applique pieces before stitching.
9. For pressing, use low heat and plenty of steam. Press only from the back. Press seams open to minimize the bulk.
10. Binding is super easy because you don’t need to fold the edges under, which is also awesome. Using a stitch-in-the-ditch foot is very helpful. The flange on the bottom of the foot wants to ride in the seam, helping your alignment.
My favorite minky maker? Shannon Fabrics! They carry the best Cuddle Fabric.
My favorite thread? Aurifil!
The owl pattern pieces are from McKay Manor Musers
The gray fabric is from my pattern, Tiger Eye Quilt.
For more about me and my minky demos, check out my website, Jenny Kae Quilts.
ty for sharing how to sew on minky……..very helpful…..